Remote diagnostic imaging

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for performing remote diagnostic imaging. One system includes a stand-alone imaging station including a housing that includes a first housing module and a second housing module, a diagnostic imaging device, and a door. The first housing module and the second housing module are separate and configured to be assembled together. The diagnostic imaging device is contained within the housing and includes a radiation source and a radiation detector. The door is coupled to the housing and is configured to allow a patient to enter the housing. The door includes a lock configured to maintain the door in a locked state at least while the diagnostic imaging device captures the diagnostic image.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to diagnostic imaging.

Diagnostic imaging usually requires a patient to travel to a hospital orclinic that is staffed by trained radiological professionals. Trainedradiological professionals are required to ensure that, when an X-ray istaken, the patient is not exposed to an unnecessary level of radiation.The patient must also be properly positioned with respect to the X-raymachine to ensure that the X-ray image corresponds to an area ofinterest on the patient's body.

SUMMARY

A significant limitation on the availability of diagnostic imaging maybe the requirement of a trained professional to administer variousdiagnostic tests, such as electron microscopy, radiography (e.g.,X-rays), magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”), nuclear medicine,photoacoustic imaging, breast thermography, tomography, ultrasound, andthe like. A diagnostic imaging kiosk or station which enables the remotedeployment of diagnostic imaging equipment greatly increases the abilityof medical professionals to diagnose and treat patients. For example,the kiosk can be deployed in locations which do not otherwise haveaccess to the technology or the trained professionals required toperform the diagnostic tests identified above.

As such, the invention provides a modularly deployable diagnosticimaging kiosk that allows patients in impoverished, remote, orunderdeveloped locations to receive professionally supervised diagnosticimaging procedures, and the kiosk can be shipped and assembled withoutrequiring the aid of radiological experts. The kiosk includes a firsthousing module and a second housing module. The first housing module isconfigured to house, among other things, a diagnostic imaging system(e.g., an X-ray system). The second housing module is configured tohouse electronics associated with the operation, control, and networkingof the kiosk. The electronics include, for example, a primarycontroller, an X-ray controller, an X-ray generator, an internal displaycontroller, an external display controller, a router, and a digitalradiology (“DR”) module. The kiosk is divided into first and secondhousing modules to enhance the isolation between the diagnostic imagingsystem and the corresponding electronics. For example, the first housingmodule can be lead-lined or at least partially lead-lined to limit orprevent radiation from damaging or otherwise affecting the electronics.Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk is divided into a first housingmodule and a second housing module such that the second housing modulecan be used in an interchangeable manner with diagnostic imaging systemsof different modalities. For example, the electronics necessary toimplement a diagnostic imaging kiosk for capturing X-ray images are, inmany ways, similar to the electronics necessary to implement adiagnostic imaging kiosk for capturing different types of diagnosticimages. As such, the second housing module is configured for use indiagnostic imaging kiosks having a variety of modalities. Additionallyor alternatively, the second housing module is configured to be usedindependently of the first housing module. For example, the secondhousing module can be configured as a standalone kiosk that allowspatients to, among other things, access account information, viewdiagnostic images, pay for procedures, schedule appointments, and thelike.

The diagnostic imaging kiosk is configured to be controlled remotely andwithout the need for a trained radiological professional on-site withthe kiosk. For example, a radiological professional is able to remotelycontrol, among other things, the position of an X-ray tube, the positionof a Bucky unit, the exposure of the X-ray, at least one camera, and thedisplay of captured X-rays. Thus, the diagnostic imaging kiosk is ableto be controlled remotely by different technicians at different times,and each technician is able to control multiple kiosks.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic imaging systemthat includes a remote diagnostic imaging station and a diagnosticimaging control station. The remote diagnostic imaging station includesa diagnostic imaging device, a communications interface, and a userinterface. The remote diagnostic imaging station is configured to beconnected to a packet-switched network. The diagnostic imaging controlstation is separate from the remote diagnostic imaging station, and iscommunicatively connected to the remote diagnostic imaging stationthrough the packet-switched network. The diagnostic imaging controlstation is configured to generate a position control signal and transmitthe position control signal through the packet-switched network to theremote diagnostic imaging station. The position control signal isassociated with a physical position of at least a portion of thediagnostic imaging device. The diagnostic imaging control station isalso configured to generate a diagnostic imaging capture signal that isoperable to initiate the capture of a diagnostic image, transmit thediagnostic imaging capture signal through the packet-switched network tothe remote diagnostic imaging station, and display the captureddiagnostic image.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a diagnostic imagingstation that includes a user interface, a diagnostic imaging device, anda communications interface. The user interface is configured to providepatient instructions related to a diagnostic imaging procedure, and thediagnostic imaging device is configured to capture a diagnostic image.The communications interface is configured to connect to apacket-switched network and receive a position control signal throughthe packet-switched network. The position control signal is associatedwith a physical position of at least a portion of the diagnostic imagingdevice. The communications interface is also configured to receive adiagnostic imaging capture signal through the packet-switched network.The diagnostic imaging capture signal is operable to initiate thecapture of the diagnostic image, and the user interface is furtherconfigured to display the diagnostic image.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of performing adiagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes connecting to a remotediagnostic imaging station through a packet-switched network, generatinga position control signal associated with a physical position of atleast a portion of a diagnostic imaging device, and transmitting theposition control signal through the packet-switched network to theremote diagnostic imaging station. The method also includes generating adiagnostic imaging capture signal operable to initiate the capture of adiagnostic image, transmitting the diagnostic imaging capture signalthrough the packet-switched network to the remote diagnostic imagingstation, and displaying the captured diagnostic image at the diagnosticimaging control station.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of performing adiagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes connecting to adiagnostic imaging control station through a packet-switched network,providing patient instructions related to the diagnostic imagingprocedure, receiving a position control signal through thepacket-switched network associated with a physical position of at leasta portion of a diagnostic imaging device, receiving a diagnostic imagingcapture signal through the packet-switched network operable to initiatethe capture of a diagnostic image, and displaying the captureddiagnostic image.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a remote controlstation. The station includes a user interface, a diagnostic imagingdevice, and at least one controller. The user interface is configured toprovide patient instructions related to a diagnostic imaging procedure.The at least one controller is configured to receive an instructionsignal through the network from a remote control station, initiatedisplay of at least one instruction to a patient present at thediagnostic imaging station using the user interface based on theinstruction signal, receive a diagnostic imaging capture signal, andinitiate capture of an diagnostic image using the diagnostic imagingdevice based on the diagnostic imaging capture signal.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of performinga diagnostic imaging procedure. The method includes connecting, by adiagnostic imaging station, to a remote control station through anetwork and receiving, by the diagnostic imaging station, an instructionsignal through the network from the remote control station. The methodalso includes instructing a patient, by the diagnostic imaging station,based on the instruction signal and capturing, by the diagnostic imagingstation, a diagnostic image with the diagnostic imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a remote diagnostic imaging network according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first diagnostic imaging kiosk module according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second diagnostic imaging kiosk moduleaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second diagnostic imaging kiosk module according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates local area network (“LAN”) connections associatedwith a diagnostic imaging kiosk.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagnostic imaging system for use in a diagnosticimaging kiosk.

FIGS. 7-8 show a process for performing a diagnostic imaging procedure.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate remote medical imaging user interface screensaccording to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a remote medical imaging user interface screenaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a remote technician workstation screen according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a remote technician workstation screen according toanother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways.

Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to a remotely andmodularly deployable diagnostic imaging station or kiosk. The kiosk isconfigured to provide patients in impoverished, remote, underdeveloped,and other locations with access to professionally supervised diagnosticimaging procedures. The kiosk is configured to be shipped and assembledwithout requiring the aid of on-site radiological experts. The kioskincludes, for example, a first housing module and a second housingmodule. The first housing module is configured to house, among otherthings, a diagnostic imaging system (e.g., an X-ray system). The secondhousing module is configured to house electronics associated with theoperation, control, and networking of the kiosk. The kiosk is configuredto connect to a remote diagnostic technician's workstation through oneor more networks, and a remote diagnostic technician is able to remotelyperform and control the diagnostic imaging procedures. The kiosk is alsoconfigured to connect to one or more local, regional, national, orinternational health information networks or databases where patientdata and test results are capable of being stored and accessed. Forexample, by connecting to the health information networks or databases,the kiosk is able to authenticate the identity of a patient, validatethe patient's use of the kiosk, and control payments for the diagnosticimaging procedures. The kiosk's connections to the health informationnetworks or databases also enable medical information to be displayedand medical records to be updated and transmitted using various forms ofmedia.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for implementing remote diagnosticimaging. The system 10 includes, among other things, a firstcommunications network 15, a second communications network 20, a firstlocal network 25, and a second local network 30. The firstcommunications network 15, the second communications network 20, thefirst local network 25, and the second local network 30 are, forexample, packet-switched networks. The first communications network 15connects, for example, a hospital or other healthcare facility 35 to thefirst local network 25 via routers (e.g., fire-walled routers) 40A and40B. The routers 40A and 40B, as well as routers 40C and 40D, areconfigured to connect to and provide communications through, forexample, the first and second communications networks 15 and 20. In theillustrated embodiment, the healthcare facility 35 is connected to thefirst local network 25 via the first communications network 15. Alsoconnected to the first local network 25 are a first viewing workstation45 (e.g., an eFilm workstation), a second viewing workstation 50, aradiology information system (“RIS”) picture archiving and communicationsystem (“PACS”) 55, a digital imaging and communications in medicine(“DICOM”) database or storage area 60 (e.g., through the PACS), and adiagnostic imaging station or kiosk 65. Although only one diagnosticimaging kiosk 65 is illustrated, the system is configured to be usedwith a plurality of diagnostic imaging kiosks that can connect to thenetworks 15, 20, 25, and 30 or one or more additional or differentnetworks. Additionally, although not illustrated in FIG. 1, the system10 can also include additional routers for connecting the first viewingworkstation 45, the second viewing workstation 50, the PACS 55, thekiosk 65, and the like to the first local network 25. For example, asdescribed below, the kiosk 65 includes an internal bus or network. Theinternal network can be a part of the first local network 25, or can beconnected to the first local network 25 via a router. Similarly, thekiosk 65 also includes an internal PACS which can be separate from thePACS 55 that is connected to the first local network 25.

The second communications network 20 is also connected to the firstlocal network 25 via the router 40C and the second local network 30 viathe router 40D. Also connected to the second local network 30 are afirst technician workstation 70, a second technician workstation 75, athird technician workstation 80, and a server 85. The technicianworkstations 70, 75, and 80 and the server 85 are, for example, includedin a datacenter which provides storage or access to diagnostic images,results, patient information, patient records, and the like.

In some embodiments, the first local network 25 and the second localnetwork 30 are wired or wireless networks, such as, for example, a localarea network (“LAN”), a neighborhood area network (“NAN”), a home areanetwork (“HAN”), or personal area network (“PAN”), and use any of avariety of communications protocols (e.g., packet-switched), such asWi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or the like. The first communications network15 and the second communications network 20 can be, for example, a widearea network (“WAN”) (e.g., a TCP/IP based network, Global System forMobile Communications (“GSM”), General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”),Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”), Evolution-Data Optimized(“EV-DO”), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (“EDGE”), 3GSM, DigitalEnhanced Cordless Telecommunications (“DECT”), Digital AMPS(“IS-136/TDMA”), or Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (“iDEN”), aDigital Advanced Mobile Phone System (“D-AMPS”), or the like). In otherembodiments, the first communications network 15 and the secondcommunication network 20 can be a second LAN, HAN, or PAN. Theconnections between the various networks, components, devices, andbuildings illustrated in FIG. 1 are, for example, wired connections,wireless connections, or a combination of wireless and wiredconnections.

In the illustrated embodiment, the networks and the communicationsbetween the devices within the networks are protected using one or moreencryption techniques, such as those techniques provided in the IEEE802.1X standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key (“PSK”),Extensible Authentication Protocol (“EAP”), Wired Equivalency Privacy(“WEP”), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (“TKIP”), Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess (“WPA”), or the like.

In some embodiments, alternative communications networks are used tocommunicate throughout the system 10. The alternative communicationsnetworks are, for example, a cellular network, such as a Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (“GSM”) network, a General Packet RadioService (“GPRS”) network, a Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”)network, an Evolution-Data Optimized (“EV-DO”) network, an Enhanced DataRates for GSM Evolution (“EDGE”) network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSMnetwork, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (“DECT”)network, a Digital AMPS (“IS-136/TDMA”) network, or an IntegratedDigital Enhanced Network (“iDEN”) network. For example, in someembodiments, the kiosk 65 connects to a mobile switching center (“MSC”).The MSC allows the kiosk 65 to connect to a public switched telephonenetwork (“PSTN”) to communicate with the other parts of the system 10.In other embodiments, the alternative communications network is asatellite communications network. In such embodiments, the kiosk 65connects to a constellation of satellites in, for example,geosynchronous orbit. The satellites forward messages from the kiosk 65through a satellite teleport or ground station to the PSTN. Embodimentsof the invention herein are described with respect to the first localnetwork 25 and the second local network 30 being LANs, and the firstcommunications network 15 and the second communications network 20 beingWANs (e.g., the Internet) that use one or more TCP/IP basedcommunications protocols, such as IPv4, IPv6, or the like. In otherembodiments, the first communications network 15 is a different type ofnetwork than the second communications network 29, and/or the firstlocal network 25 is a different type of network than the second localnetwork 30.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first housing module 100 for the kiosk 65. In theillustrated embodiment, the first housing module 100 is rectangularlyshaped and includes a first housing wall 105, a second housing wall 110,a third housing wall 115, and a fourth housing wall 120. The firsthousing wall 105 and the third housing wall 115 have a greater externalsurface area than the second housing wall 110 and the fourth housingwall 120. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth housingwalls 105-120 includes a lead lining to reduce or eliminate thetransmission of radiation outside of the kiosk 65. In some embodiments,each of the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls 105-120includes a lead lining. A doorway 125 is positioned approximatelycentrally on the first housing wall 105 to allow a patient to enter andexit the kiosk 65. The doorway 125 is configured to receive a door thatsecures the kiosk 65 and ensures privacy for patients within the kiosk65. The door is, for example, a hinged door, a sliding door, or thelike. To ensure the security and privacy of the kiosk 65, the doorincludes one or more electromagnetic locks for securely closing the doorduring a procedure or when the kiosk 65 is not in use. Although notillustrated in FIG. 2, the first housing module 100 also includes one ormore speakers and one or more lights which are also configured to beremotely controlled by a remote technician.

In the illustrated embodiment of the kiosk 65, the first housing module100, and particularly the first, second, third, and fourth housing walls105-120, are divided into a top portion 130 and a bottom portion 135.The top and bottom portions 130 and 135 of each of the first, second,third, and fourth housing walls 105-120 allow the kiosk 65 to betransported in a smaller form factor, which reduces the costs associatedwith moving or transporting the kiosk 65, and does not significantlyincrease the complexity of assembling the kiosk 65. The first housingmodule 100 is constructed primarily of materials such as wood, metal, ora composite material.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a second housing module 200. In a mannersimilar to the first housing module 100, the second housing module 200is rectangularly shaped and includes a first housing wall 205, a secondhousing wall 210, a third housing wall 215, and a fourth housing wall220. The second housing module 200 is also constructed primarily ofmaterials such as wood, metal, or a composite material. Each of thefirst, second, third, and fourth housing walls 205-220 are also dividedinto bottom and top portions 225 and 230. As described above withrespect to the first housing module 100, dividing the second housingmodule 200 into bottom and top portions 225 and 230 simplifies thetransport of the kiosk 65 without significantly complicating assembly.The second housing module 200 also includes a doorway on the secondhousing wall 210. The doorway receives, for example, a hinged door thatis capable of being locked (e.g., using an electromagnetic lock) tosecure the contents of the second housing module 200. The contents ofthe second housing module 200 include, for example, computer hardwareand other equipment, such as various control PCs, a magnetic cardreader, an external (to the kiosk 65) touch screen display, external (tothe kiosk 65) speakers, an X-ray generator, an X-ray control PC,communications equipment (e.g., for connecting to a network), andvarious other electronics used by the kiosk 65. The second housingmodule 200 also includes a plurality of apertures on the first housingwall 205 configured to receive or accommodate components of the secondhousing module such as, for example, the display 235, the magneticstripe reader 240, the user identification card dispenser 245, the billpay unit 250, the CD dispenser 255, and the CD cover holder 260. Inother embodiments, the second housing module 200 also includes a scannerfor scanning checks (e.g., personal checks). The scanned checks can thenbe processed for the payment of services and procedures.

In some embodiments, if the kiosk 65 includes the first housing module100 and the second housing module 200, the kiosk is approximately elevenfeet wide, nine feet tall, and between four and five feet wide. Thespecific dimensions depend on, for example, the diagnostic equipmentincluded in the kiosk 65. The kiosk 65 can also be made smaller asadvances in technology enable medical and communications equipment to bemade smaller and more efficient.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second housing module 270 that is similar to thesecond housing module 200 described above. For example, the secondhousing module 270 includes a plurality of apertures configured toreceive or accommodate components of the second housing module 270 suchas, for example, the display 235, the magnetic stripe reader 240, thebill pay unit 250, the CD dispenser 255, and the CD cover holder 260.The second housing module 270 also includes a phone 275, a scanner 280,and a receipt dispenser 285. The scanner 280 is configured to scan itemssuch as checks or user identification cards. The scanned items can thenbe processed for the payment of services and procedures or for theidentification of the patient. The phone 275 is provided and configuredto ensure the privacy of the patient when interacting with, for example,a remote technician or an assistance professional, as described below.In some embodiments, the second housing module 270 also includes theuser identification card dispenser 245. The second housing module 270 isconfigured to be used independently of the first housing module 100. Forexample, the second housing module 270 is configured as a standalonekiosk that allows patients to, among other things, access accountinformation, view diagnostic images, pay for procedures, scheduleappointments, speak with remote technicians or assistance professionals,and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates the various interconnections between componentswithin the kiosk 65 and the networks to which the kiosk 65 is connected.The electrical and electronic components within the kiosk 65 aregenerally connected to a bus, a LAN, or another suitable control andcommunication network within the kiosk 65. In the illustratedembodiment, the kiosk includes an internal LAN 305. The LAN 305 isconfigured to, for example, directly connect to the first local network25 illustrated in FIG. 1, or connect to the first communications network15 or second communications network 20 via one or more routers. In theillustrated embodiment, an X-ray controller 310, an internal touchscreen display controller 315, an external touch screen displaycontroller 320, a digital radiography (“DR”) module or device 325, asurveillance device or camera 330 (e.g., a device capable of generatingaudio and video surveillance signals), a primary controller 335, a PACS340, and a router 345 are connected to the LAN 305 of the kiosk 65.Other components within the kiosk 65, such as the X-ray generator 350(e.g., a 64 kW, 150 kV, 400 mA generator), the X-ray device 355, theinternal display or user interface 315A, the internal speaker 315B, theexternal display or user interface 320A, and the external speaker 320B,are connected to the LAN 305 through other components (e.g., the X-raycontroller 310). The displays 315A and 320A are configured to, amongother things, display information, instructions, advertisements, and thelike to patients. In some embodiments, the kiosk 65 also includes one ormore biometric screening devices (e.g., retinal scanners, finger printscanners, etc.) for verifying a patient's identify. A variety ofsecurity features can also be included in the kiosk 65. For example, thekiosk 65 includes one or more motion detectors, one or more alarms, oneor more embedded global positioning devices (e.g., for locating thekiosk 65 or components within the kiosk 65), and the like.

The kiosk 65 is connected to the second communications network 20 viathe router 345. A remote technician workstation controller 360 isconnected to the second communications network 20 via the second localnetwork 30 and the router 40D to enable a diagnostic imaging technicianto remotely control the X-ray device 355, the camera 330, etc. Therouter 345 is also used to transmit diagnostic information and images toand from the kiosk 65. The PACS 340 is on-board or internal to the kiosk65 and is configured to store, for example, full-resolution diagnosticimages within the kiosk 65. Due to bandwidth limitations and the size ofdigital diagnostic imaging files, lower-resolution images are able to bepresented to the remote technician and displayed on the internal display315A. The full-resolution diagnostic images are stored locally in thekiosk 65's PACS 340 until, for example, off-peak bandwidth times (e.g.,at night). At such times, the PACS 340 is configured to transfer thefull-resolution diagnostic image to a networked database (e.g., the PACS55 of FIG. 1).

Many of the components within the kiosk 65 are configured to operateindependently of one another. For example, each of the controllers ordevices within the kiosk 65 can include, among other things, a controlunit, a user interface, and a display. The control unit includes, forexample, a control or processing unit, a memory, an input/output (“I/O”)module, a power supply module, and one or more busses for operably andcommunicatively coupling the components within the controller. Theprocessing unit is, for example, a processor, a microprocessor, amicrocontroller, or the like. The memory is a read-only memory (“ROM”),a random access memory (“RAM”), an electrically erasable programmableread-only memory (“EEPROM”), a flash memory, a hard disk, or anothersuitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory device. TheI/O module includes, for example, routines for sending information toand receiving information from components or devices external to thecontrollers and for transferring information between components withinthe controllers. Software included in the components is stored in thememory. The software includes, for example, firmware applications andother executable instructions. In other embodiments, the controllers caninclude additional, fewer, or different components.

In some embodiments, the processing unit, the memory, and the I/O moduleof the controllers or devices are implemented on one or more printedcircuit boards (“PCBs”) within the components. For example, the PCB ispopulated with a plurality of electrical and electronic components whichprovide operational control and protection to the components. The PCBalso includes, among other things, a plurality of additional passive andactive components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, integratedcircuits, and amplifiers. These components are arranged and connected toprovide a plurality of electrical functions to the PCB including, amongother things, filtering, signal conditioning, and voltage regulation.For descriptive purposes, the PCB and the electrical componentspopulated on the PCB are collectively referred to as controllers.

The kiosk 65 is powered by one or more power sources, such as aninternal generator (e.g., a gasoline generator), mains power, solarpanels, batteries, a battery pack, or a combination of such powersources. The kiosk 65 also includes, for example, an uninterruptiblepower supply (“UPS”) that is configured to prevent the kiosk 65, andparticularly core systems (e.g., controllers), within the kiosk 65 fromlosing power due to fluctuations in grid power, loss of grid power, orthe like. For example, grid power is used to charge batteries and is notused to directly power components within the kiosk 65. In embodiments ofthe invention which include batteries, the batteries are alkaline-basedor lithium-based batteries and are, for example, disposable orrechargeable AA batteries, AAA batteries, six-volt (“6V”) batteries,nine-volt (“9V”) batteries, or the like. In other embodiments, thecomponents include a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells.The battery cells within the battery pack provide operational power(e.g., DC power) to the components. In one embodiment, each battery cellhas a nominal voltage of approximately two-volts (“2.0V”), three-volts(“3.0V”), four-volts (“4.0V”), etc. The cells are arranged in series,parallel, or a series-parallel combination to achieve a desired nominalvoltage for the battery pack. The battery cells are, for example,lithium-ion battery cells having a lithium-cobalt (“Li—Co”),lithium-manganese (“Li—Mn”), or Li—Mn spinel chemistry. In someembodiments, the battery cells have other suitable lithium orlithium-based chemistries. In other embodiments, the battery cells havea nickel-cadmium (“NiCd”) chemistry, a nickel-metal hydride (“NiMH”)chemistry, or another suitable nickel-based chemistry.

The display is configured to display a variety of information to theuser. The user interface includes, for example, a keyboard, atouch-screen interface (e.g., a capacitive touch-screen interface), oneor more physical buttons, switches, levers, sliders, or sensors (e.g.,optical sensors), a voice-recognition system, a biometric screeningsystem, a trackball, or the like. In some embodiments, each of thecontrollers includes a display. In other embodiments, internal andexternal displays 315A and 320A of the kiosk 65 are used to displayinformation to the user. Additionally, the internal and externaldisplays 315A and 320A can also be the user interfaces (e.g.,touch-screen displays).

The I/O module includes, for example, a USB port, an SD card slot, aFireWire port, etc. The I/O module is used to connect the kiosk 65 toportable storage and processing devices (e.g., laptops, tablets,smartphones, etc.). Information stored within the kiosk 65 can betransferred to such devices, and allows the information stored withinthe kiosk 65 to be automatically or manually updated or backed-up. Insome embodiments, diagnostic images can be transferred to a patient'smass storage device (e.g., a USB mass storage device) via the I/Omodule. Such a feature can be used in place of a printed CD.

The kiosk 65 is configured to receive payment from a variety of sources.For example, the kiosk 65 is configured to accept payment from a uservia credit card, a web-based pay service, cash, check, or a prepaidservice. As described above, the kiosk 65 includes a magnetic stripereader 240 which allows a patient to pay for a service or procedureusing a credit card, a debit card, a pre-paid credit card, or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagnostic imaging system 400. In the illustratedembodiment, the diagnostic imaging system 400 is an X-ray system. Thesystem 400 includes a first mounting portion or tube stand 405, a secondmounting portion or tube stand 410, a first motor 415, a second motor420, an X-ray source 425, an X-ray tube 430, a digital radiography(“DR”) panel 435, a first networked video camera 440, a firstpositioning device 445, and a second positioning device 450. The X-raysource 425 and X-ray tube 430 have a first field-of-view (“FOV”) 455,and the camera 440 has a second FOV 460. The X-ray source 425 and theX-ray tube 430 are collectively referred to herein as the X-ray unit465. The first FOV 455 is adjusted using a collimator (not shown), andis adjusted remotely by a remote technician.

The X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel 435 are each controlled by a remotetechnician. For example, the X-ray unit 465 is connected to the firstpositioning device 445. The first positioning device 445 is connected tothe first motor 415. The first motor 415 is configured to adjust thepositioning of the X-ray unit 465 via the first positioning device 445and based on one or more positioning signals received from the remotetechnician. Similarly, the second positioning device 450 is connected tothe second motor 420. The second motor 420 is configured to adjust thepositioning of the DR panel 435 via the second positioning device 450and based on one or more positioning signals received from the remotetechnician. In some embodiments, the positions of the X-ray unit 465 andthe DR panel 435 are synchronized such that the radiological technicianis capable of raising or lowering the X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel435 in synchronicity using one or more commands (e.g., a single raise orlower signal raises or lowers both the X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel435). In some embodiments, the linear range of movement of the X-rayunit 465 and the DR panel 435 is approximately 150 cm. The positions ofthe X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel 435, as well as a height and a widthof the collimator, are controlled, for example, over a control areanetwork (“CAN”) bus using a corresponding CAN communications protocoland based on the signals received from the remote technician. In someembodiments, the signals from the remote technician are processed andtransmitted over the CAN bus by, for example, the X-ray controller 310or the primary controller 335 shown in and described with respect toFIG. 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the camera 440 is positioned above theX-ray unit 365 to provide the remote technician with a frontal video ofthe patient with respect to the DR panel 435. The camera 440 allows theremote technician to ensure that the patient is properly positioned withrespect to the X-ray unit 465. In some embodiments, the X-ray unit 465projects one or more lasers or light areas toward the DR panel 435 toassist in properly aligning the patient. The camera 440 also allows theremote technician to verify that necessary safety precautions (e.g.,removing jewelry, etc.) have been satisfied. The second FOV 460 for thecamera 440 is illustrated as being larger than the first FOV 455 for theX-ray unit 465 (e.g., the first FOV 455 of the X-ray unit 465 is withinthe second FOV 460 of the camera 440).

Although not illustrated in FIG. 6, some embodiments of the inventionalso include a laser distancing device for determining the distancebetween the patient and the X-ray unit 465 (e.g., to assist indetermining a correct exposure), as well as a scale for determining anactual weight of the patient. In other embodiments, additionaldiagnostic devices or equipment can be included in the kiosk 65 toenable the testing of blood pressure, blood glucose, body fat,cholesterol, temperature, pulse, and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a process 500 for performing a diagnosticimaging procedure. Although the steps of the process 500 are illustratedin a particular order, various steps described herein with respect tothe process 500 are capable of being executed simultaneously, inparallel, or in an order that differs from the illustrated serial mannerof execution. At step 505, a patient is registered. The registration ofa patient includes receiving a set of information from the patient, suchas name, date of birth (“DOB”), payment information, personal healthrecord information, and the like. For example, one or more virtualscreens are presented to the user on an external user interface (e.g.,the external display 320A). Using an input mechanism, the user selectsor enters the information required to complete the registration processinto one or more user input sections (e.g., text boxes, check boxes,etc.). For example, the user populates the user input sections byentering text via a mechanical or virtual keyboard of a computer orsimilar processing device, and using a pointing or selection device suchas a mouse to control a cursor on the display 320A. Input signals fromthe keyboard and the mouse are received, processed, and translated intoa visual result or action on the display 320A. For example, if the userenters text using a keyboard, the activated keys produce signals whichare represented as type-written text on the external display 320A.Similarly, a mouse click, which corresponds to a location of the cursoron the screen, results in selecting/deselecting a dropdown menu, theposition of a fader, etc. In other implementations, the user inputsections are accessed and controlled using a touch-screen device and auser's finger strokes or tapping are used to populate the inputsections. In addition to manual entry and selections from a dropdownmenu, the user input sections can be populated using a virtual orphysical dial, fader, or the like.

After the patient registration information has been entered, a virtualor physical user identification mechanism is generated. For example, theuser identification mechanism can be a password, a personalidentification number (“PIN”), an account number, etc. that is able tobe entered using the external display 320A during subsequent visits to adiagnostic imaging kiosk or similar device (e.g., another deviceconnected to the diagnostic imaging kiosk via the same network, orconnected to one or more of the same databases). Additionally oralternatively, the user identification mechanism is a physical useridentification card that is printed and dispensed to the patient. If apatient has already received a user identification mechanism, the useridentification mechanism can be used to forgo the registration processon subsequent visits.

The payment information includes, for example, a payment selection, suchas credit card, on-line pay service, debit card, cash, check, credits,etc. In some embodiments, the cost of a diagnostic imaging procedure isdisplayed to the patient on the external display 320A. The patient isthen able to allocate available funds to pay for the procedure or buyadditional credits (e.g., using a credit card, cash, etc.). As describedabove, the kiosk 65 includes a variety of mechanisms for receivingpayments (e.g., the magnetic stripe reader 240, the bill pay unit 250,etc.). Using these mechanisms, the patient is able to purchaseadditional credits with which to pay for a diagnostic imaging procedure.In some embodiments, an Internet or web-based on-line payment service(e.g., PayPal™) can also be used to pay for the diagnostic imagingprocedure. Additionally or alternatively, the kiosk is also able to billor invoice patients on a per-procedure basis, or a patient's financialinformation is linked to the user identification mechanism for automaticdeductions or charges.

The costs associated with a diagnostic imaging procedure can be locationand time specific. For example, a standard rate can be set based on afirst location. Then, as the kiosk 65 is deployed to various locations,the costs associated with the diagnostic imaging procedure are adjustedbased on current currency exchange rates (i.e., from one country toanother country), based on state, local, or federal taxes, based onlocal costs for electricity, bandwidth, and the like, gross domesticproduct, average household income, insurance premiums, etc. In someembodiments, the kiosk 65 is capable of calculating the costs associatedwith the diagnostic imaging procedure. In other embodiments, the kiosk65 receives the costs associated with a diagnostic imaging procedurefrom a remote location through a network. In some embodiments, creditsfor diagnostic imaging procedures can be purchased in advance of aprocedure using a website or from a medical center. For example, apatient, or an individual acting on the patient's behalf, is able toaccess a website associated with the kiosk 65, register (as describedabove), and purchase credits for a diagnostic imaging procedure withouthaving to be present at the kiosk 65. The patient is also able toschedule an appointment to use the kiosk 65 ahead of time. Such anappointment can be made using a website, from a medical center, at thekiosk 65, etc. If the costs associated with the diagnostic imagingprocedure have changed or differ from when the credits were purchased,the patient is notified of the difference or change at the kiosk 65, viaemail, via text message, etc.

Because the kiosk 65 is capable of being deployed in remote locations,underdeveloped locations, disaster areas, or other areas where the costsof the diagnostic imaging procedure may be beyond the financialresources of a general population, donations can be made to fund thediagnostic procedures. For example, the website that allows a patient topurchase credits can also be configured to receive donations. Thedonations are location specific and allow individuals or organizationsto contribute a lump sum that is then dispersed on aprocedure-by-procedure basis. When a patient in such a location reachesthe payment stage of the registration process, the donated credits areaccessed and the patient is informed that the costs associated with theprocedure have already been received.

Following step 505, the patient's information is accessed (step 510).The patient's information includes, for example, medical records, priordiagnostic images (e.g., X-rays), contact information, paymentinformation, a photograph, etc., as described above. In someembodiments, the patient information is accessed by the kiosk 65 andprovided to the remote technician when the patient is ready to begin aprocedure (as described below). In other embodiments, once the patienthas registered, the patient's identity is provided to a remotetechnician and the patient information is automatically retrieved from adatabase and displayed to the remote technician. The patient is thenallowed to access or enter the kiosk 65 (step 515). The status of thekiosk 65 (e.g., occupied, door locked, etc.) is capable of beingdisplayed on the external display 320A to indicate to the patient whenthe kiosk 65 is available to be entered, as described below. In someembodiments, the patient uses the user identification card and amagnetic stripe reader to unlock the door to the kiosk 65. In otherembodiments (e.g., when the user identification mechanism is a PIN), theradiological technician remotely opens or unlocks the door to the kiosk65. The door includes, for example, an electromagnetic lock. In someembodiments, a “master” or “supervisor” identification card allows asupervisor to access the kiosk 65 at any time.

Once inside the kiosk 65, the patient uses the user identificationmechanism to alert a remote technician that they are ready to begin theprocedure. As previously described, the patient's information can beprovided to the remote technician following the use of the useridentification mechanism. The patient is then presented withinstructions related to the diagnostic imaging procedure (step 520). Forexample, the instructions that are presented are based on one or morediagnostic imaging procedure instruction signals received from theremote technician's workstation. The instructions are presented on aninternal user interface (e.g., the internal display 315A). An avatarprovides instructions related to, for example, the position of thepatient (step 525). The avatar enables a consistent interactive userinterface which can be programmed to provide instructions in any of aplurality of languages and dialects. The instructions are presented byan avatar representing the remote technician and include combinations ofaudio, pictures, video, and the like. For example, instructions includethe remote technician providing voice instructions, an image of theposition where the patient should be standing, and a video or animationof the patient moving into the correct position. The sounds, images, andvideos that are displayed to the patient on the internal display 315Aare controlled by the remote technician over the network. In someembodiments, the kiosk 65 includes footprints on the floor of the kiosk65 to assist the patient in identifying the correct location to stand.The remote technician uses the first and second cameras to view thekiosk 65 and ensure that the patient is properly positioned. In someembodiments, the viewing directions of the first and second cameras aresubstantially orthogonal to one another to provide the remote technicianwith multiple vantage points from which to view the patient and ensureproper positioning.

After the patient has been properly positioned, the remote technicianpositions the imaging device (e.g., the X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel435) (step 530). As described above, the X-ray unit 465 and the DR panel435 are configured to move in synchronicity such that the X-ray unit 465is always properly positioned with respect to the DR panel 435.Positioning the X-ray unit 465 also includes adjusting various settingsof the imaging device, such as aperture size (e.g., collimator heightand width) and exposure settings. In some embodiments, laser lines areused to assist the remote technician in properly adjusting the settingof the imaging device. When the patient is properly positioned, theimaging device is properly positioned, and the imaging device settingsare correct, the diagnostic image is captured (step 535). The captureddiagnostic image is then displayed on the internal display 315A and/orat the remote technician's workstation (step 540). The displayeddiagnostic image is, for example, a lower resolution version of thefull-resolution DICOM image. The remote technician is able to review theimage and determine whether, for example, the image is of insufficientquality and if another diagnostic image needs to be captured (step 545).For example, the remote technician checks for patient motion duringcapture, checks for patient position during capture, and ensures that aproper dose was used during the exposure. If the diagnostic image is ofinsufficient quality, the process 500 returns to step 535 and a newdiagnostic image is captured. Once a diagnostic image of sufficientquality has been captured, the process 500 proceeds to section A shownin and described with respect to FIG. 8.

Following step 545 and the completion of the diagnostic image capture,the patient is able to exit the kiosk 65 (step 550). For example, theremote technician opens the door or releases the door lock to allow thepatient to exit the kiosk 65. In some embodiments, the door lock isconfigured such that, in the event of a failure of the door lock, thepatient is able to open the door. An electronic report associated withthe diagnostic imaging procedure is then generated (step 555). Thereport includes, for example, updated information for the patient'shealth record and/or medical records, a copy of or link to the captureddiagnostic images, time and date information, payment information, andthe like. If the user wishes to have the report printed (step 560), thereport can be printed from the kiosk 65 (step 565). If the patient doesnot wish to have the report printed, or the report has already beenprinted, the report is exported (step 570) to, for example, a personalhealth record (e.g., Google Health, TELERAD, etc.), a storage device, oranother similar database that is accessible through a network (e.g., thenetworks 15, 20, 25, or 30). Exporting the report can also includeburning the report to a CD, copying the report to a portable flash drive(e.g., a USB mass storage device), and the like. The various physicaland electronic reporting techniques allow the patient to track theresults of their diagnostic imaging procedures and readily provide theresults to a physician. The patient's history of procedures, medicalhistory, and personal information can also be tracked via the useridentification mechanism. Following the export of the report, the kiosk65 is once again available for use and the process 500 proceeds tosection B of FIG. 7 and step 505.

As previously described, the steps of the process 500 are capable ofbeing executed simultaneously, in parallel, or in an order that differsfrom the illustrated serial manner of execution. For example, as onepatient is in the kiosk 65 for a diagnostic imaging procedure, a secondpatient can be outside of the kiosk 65 registering for a procedure,printing a report, scheduling an appointment, etc. As such, although theprocess 500 is described with respect to a single patient, the kiosk 65is configured to have multiple iterations of the process 500 beingexecuted simultaneously. In some embodiments, the kiosk 65 is configuredfor additional diagnostic or general health related tests, such astaking blood pressure, taking temperature, measuring height, andmeasuring weight. Additionally or alternatively, tests or screeningssuch as cholesterol, body fat, and the like can also be performed.

The process 500 described above with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9 isfacilitated, at least in part, by the interactions between the kiosk 65(e.g., the internal and external user interfaces, the diagnostic imagingunit, the router, the controllers, etc.), the remote technician'sworkstation, and additional networked components (e.g., personal healthrecords databases, PACS, etc.). The interactions between the remotetechnician's workstation and the kiosk 65 are achieved using acombination of hardware and software. For example, the kiosk 65communicatively connects to the remote technician's workstation usinghardware such as, among other things, the router 345 described above.The interactions between the remote technician's workstation and thekiosk 65 also include software that is stored in the kiosk 65, thetechnician's workstation, or on a server accessible using a network. Thesoftware is configured to generate a plurality of virtual interfaces orscreens on, for example, the internal display 315A of the kiosk 65, theexternal display 320A of the kiosk 65, and at the remote technician'sworkstation (e.g., on one or more monitors).

The screens are presented to a patient or a remote technician tocomplete the execution of the diagnostic imaging procedure. In someembodiments of the invention, screens such as those illustrated in FIGS.9-16 are generated. The screens can be divided into three categories:(1) external user interface screens; (2) internal user interfacescreens; and (3) remote technician screens. The internal and externaluser interface screens are described herein with respect to separateuser interfaces. However, in some embodiments, the external userinterface screens and the internal user interface screens are capable ofbeing presented to a patient on a single user interface (e.g., theinternal user interface).

FIG. 9 illustrates a screen 600 configured to allow a patient toregister or log-in to the system 10. For example, the screen 600includes a first selection area 605 and a second selection area 610. Thefirst selection area 605 includes an existing user button 615 and a newuser button 620. If the patient has already completed the registrationprocess and received a user identification mechanism (e.g., a password,a card, a PIN, etc.), the patient is able to forgo the registrationprocess by selecting the existing user button 615 and using thepreviously provided user identification mechanism. If the useridentification mechanism is a password, PIN, or the like, the patient isprompted to enter the user identification mechanism on the userinterface. If the user identification mechanism is a physical card(e.g., including a magnetic stripe), the user is able to, for example,select the existing user button 615 and swipe the card in the magneticstripe reader 240. In such an instance, the patient's information isautomatically accessed without requiring further input from the patient.If the patient is using the diagnostic imaging kiosk 65 for the firsttime, the patient is able to initiate the registration process byselecting the new user button 620. The registration process is describedin greater detail below.

The second selection area 610 includes an assistance button 625, a savebutton 630, and a portrait area 635. The assistance button 625 isselectable throughout the registration process and is configured toprovide the patient with access to live assistance with, among otherthings, entering registration data, selecting payment options, and thelike. The assistance button 625 connects the external user interface toa remote assistance service through a network (e.g., the networks 15,20, 25, or 30). In some embodiments, the assistance button 625 connectsthe user interface to a remote technician. In other embodiments, theassistance button 625 connects the user interface to an assistanceservice other than a remote technician. The assistance service is, forexample, a call center that specializes in the registration and remotediagnostic imaging process, but does not assist in taking the actualdiagnostic image. Compartmentalizing the assistance service and theremote technicians allows the remote technicians to focus their time oncapturing the diagnostic images and reduces the amount of time a patientwaits to have the diagnostic image taken. The connection to the remoteassistance service includes voice communication and video interaction.The video interaction includes, for example, an avatar of an assistanceprofessional or the remote technician. After the assistance button 625is selected and the user interface is connected to the assistanceservice, the assistance professional or the remote technician is able toremotely enter registration information, payment information, healthrecord information, and the like based on information provided by thepatient. Such a feature is beneficial in areas that may beundereducated, less technically savvy, or that have language barriers.The save button 630 allows the patient to save information that has beenentered during the registration process, or changes that the patient hasmade to account parameters. In some embodiments, the save button 630 ispersistent throughout the registration process or account updateprocess.

If the patient selects the new user button 620, additional screens arepresented to register the patient. For example, the registration processcan be divided into four primary sections: (1) register; (2) payment;(3) personal health record; and (4) diagnostic image. These sections areshown in and described with respect to FIGS. 10-13. Additionally,although the screens illustrated in FIGS. 10-13 are described withrespect to the registration process, existing users are able to log-inusing a screen similar to that described below with respect to FIG. 10,or existing users are able to modify account parameters related topersonal health records, payment options, and the like using screenssimilar to those shown in and described with respect to FIGS. 11-13.

FIG. 10 illustrates a screen 640 for entering registration information.The screen 640 includes a first selection area 645 and a secondselection area 650. The second selection area 650 is substantiallysimilar to the second selection area 610 described above with respect tothe screen 600. In the illustrated embodiment, the registrationinformation is input into the first selection area 645 and includes thepatient's first name, last name, and date of birth. The registrationinformation is entered into corresponding input sections for thepatient's first name 655, last name 660, and date of birth 665. Thescreen 640 also includes a virtual keyboard 670. The keyboard 670 isconfigured to allow the user to enter the registration informationmanually. In some embodiments, the keyboard is presented on atouch-screen interface as described above. In other embodiments, aphysical keyboard, mouse, or similar user input device is used to enterthe registration information. The first selection area 645 also includesa variety of navigation buttons that allow the patient to navigatethrough the registration process. For example, the navigation buttonsinclude a register/log-in button 675, a payment button 680, a personalhealth record button 685, a diagnostic image button 690, and a continuebutton 695. The buttons 675-695 allow the patient to select or jump to avariety of different sections of the registration process. For example,if the patient wishes to modify or select a personal health recordpreference before entering payment information, the patient selects thepersonal health record button 685. If the patient prefers to seriallystep through the registration process, the continue button 695 allowsthe user to enter or view information consecutively in each of thesections of the registration process.

FIG. 11 illustrates a payment screen 700 for selecting payment optionsand is similar to the screen 640 described above. The screen 700includes a first selection area 705 and a second selection area 710. Thesecond selection area 710 is substantially similar to the selection area610 described above with respect to FIG. 9. Also, the first selectionarea 705 includes navigation buttons 675-695, as described above. Thefirst selection area 705 also includes an amount due area 715, a creditsavailable area 720, and a CD selection area for indicating whether thepatient would like a diagnostic image to be burned to a CD. The CDselection area includes a ‘YES’ checkbox 725 and a ‘NO’ checkbox 730that can be selected using the touch-screen display, a mouse, or anothersimilar user input device, as described above. The amount due area 715displays the cost of the diagnostic imaging procedure to the patient.The cost is illustrated as $1.00, but the cost of the diagnostic imagingprocedure is set based on, among other things, a variety of locationdependent factors, as described above. The credits available area 720indicates how many credits the patient has available to pay for thediagnostic imaging procedure. In some embodiments, the credits availablearea 720 is a button. In such embodiments, by selecting the creditsavailable button 720, the patient is prompted with a variety of paymentoptions. For example, the patient is able to select cash, credit card,check, etc. as a payment method with which to purchase additionalcredits. In some embodiments, the patient is not able to advance pastthe payment screen 700 until enough credits have been purchased to payfor the diagnostic imaging procedure. In some embodiments, when thepatient has enough credits available to pay for the diagnostic imagingprocedure, the credits are automatically deducted from the patient'saccount following the completion of the diagnostic imaging procedure. Inother embodiments, the patient is able to manually deduct credits fromtheir account by selecting the amount due area 715. In such embodiments,the amount due area 715 is configured as a button or similar inputdevice.

FIG. 12 illustrates a personal health record screen 735 for selecting apersonal health record. The screen 735 includes a first selection area740 and a second selection area 745. The second selection area 740 issimilar to the selection area 610 described above with respect to FIG.9. The first selection area 740 includes navigation buttons 675-695, asdescribed above. The first selection area 740 also includes a variety ofpersonal health record selection options. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the patient is able to select a Microsoft HealthVault account using a corresponding checkbox 750, or a Google Healthaccount using a corresponding checkbox 755. In some embodiments, if thepatient does not already have a personal health record account set up, apersonal health record account is automatically set up based onpreviously entered registration information. Additionally oralternatively, the patient is able to select a different personal healthrecord by entering, for example, a URL corresponding to a web-basedhealth record service other than Microsoft Health Vault and GoogleHealth.

FIG. 13 illustrates a diagnostic image screen 760. The screen 760includes a first selection area 765 and a second selection area 770. Thesecond selection area 770 is similar to the selection area 610 describedabove with respect to FIG. 9, and the first selection area 765 includesnavigation buttons 675-695 as described above. The first selection area765 also includes a set of instructions for completing the registrationprocess. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the set of stepsinclude instructions for printing a user identification card 775,instructions to enter the kiosk 780, and instructions to swipe the cardon or near the internal user interface 785. In the illustratedembodiment, the instructions for printing the user identification cardinclude a corresponding button which, when selected, causes the useridentification card to be printed. In other embodiments, a password orPIN number is generated in addition to or in place of the useridentification card. The first selection area 765 also includes a statusarea 790. The status area 790 includes a status indicator for each ofthe kiosk 65 and the kiosk door. For example, a kiosk status indicator795 includes a light 800 and corresponding text that indicates whetherthe kiosk 65 is available for entry. In some embodiments, the light 800is illuminated green when the kiosk 65 is available and red when thekiosk 65 is not available. The text included in the kiosk statusindicator is modified to match the light 800 by indicating that thebooth is available (e.g., when the light 800 is green) and not available(e.g. when the light 800 is red). Similarly, the kiosk door statusindicator 805 includes a light 810 and corresponding text that indicateswhether the kiosk door is locked or unlocked. In some embodiments, thelight 810 is illuminated green when the kiosk door is unlocked and redwhen the kiosk door is locked. When the kiosk 65 is both available andthe door is unlocked, the patient is able to enter the kiosk 65.

After the patient has completed the registration or log-in processdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 9-13, the patient is able to enterthe kiosk 65. Upon entering the kiosk 65, the patient is greeted by theinternal display 315A which requests that the patient swipe the useridentification card using a magnetic stripe reader located within thekiosk 65. Additionally or alternatively, the user enters a password orPIN to initiate the diagnostic imaging procedure. As described above,after the patient has initiated the diagnostic imaging procedure, a callis placed to a remote technician, the patient's records are accessed,and two-way communication between the kiosk 65 and the remotetechnician's workstation is initiated. The kiosk 65 calls a call centerthat includes, for example, a plurality of remote technicians. However,the number of kiosks in use often exceeds the number of available remotetechnicians. As such, the kiosk 65 may be placed in a queue of kiosksthat are ready for diagnostic imaging procedures to be executed. When aremote technician becomes available, two-way communication between thekiosk 65 and the available remote technician's workstation is initiated.

Upon initiating the diagnostic imaging procedure, the patient ispresented with a screen on the internal user interface such as screen900 illustrated in FIG. 14. The screen 900 includes two primary displayareas. A first display area 905 includes patient information 910 (e.g.,patient name, patient identification number, etc.), a display of theremote technician's avatar 915, and a hang-up button 920. The hang-upbutton 920 allows the user to end the two-way communication with theremote technician (e.g., following the completion of a diagnosticimaging procedure). In some embodiments, the hang-up button 920 isdisabled to prevent the patient from prematurely ending communicationwith the remote technician. If communication between the kiosk 65 andthe remote technician's workstation is prematurely ended (i.e., prior tocompleting the diagnostic imaging procedure), the kiosk 65 is configuredto, for example, disable the diagnostic imaging unit until communicationbetween the kiosk 65 and the remote technician's workstation isre-established. The patient is able to re-establish communication withthe remote technician's workstation by re-swiping the useridentification card or re-entering the password, PIN, or the like.

A second display area 925 includes a first display section 930 and asecond display section 935. The first and second display sections 930and 935 are configured to display combinations of images, animations,videos, and the like to the patient. For example, the remote technicianis able to control the items being displayed in the first displaysection 930 and the second display section 935 remotely from theirworkstation (e.g., by generating corresponding signals that aretransmitted through a packet-switched network). The informationpresented to the patient in the first and second display sections 930and 935 includes instructions for being properly positioned with respectto the diagnostic imaging unit, removing jewelry, and the like. Theinstructions can be presented to the patient using images, videos,animations, or combinations thereof. The remote technician is also ableto provide voice-over instructions to the patient or to playpre-recorded instructions associated with each step of the diagnosticimaging procedure. In other embodiments, the second display areaincludes a single display section.

In addition to displaying instructions to the patient, the first andsecond display sections 930 and 935 can also be used to display theresults of the diagnostic imaging procedure. For example, following thecapture of a diagnostic image, the full-resolution diagnostic image or areduced-resolution version of the diagnostic image is displayed in oneof the first and second display sections 930 and 935. The display of thediagnostic image is controlled by the remote technician (e.g., bygenerating and transmitting corresponding signals). For example, theremote technician first views the captured diagnostic image to ensurethat the image is of sufficient quality. If the image is of sufficientquality, the remote technician selects an option to display the image tothe patient on the internal user interface. In some embodiments, theremote technician is able to display multiple diagnostic images to thepatient. For example, the remote technician is able to display adiagnostic image captured during the current diagnostic imagingprocedure (i.e., stored in the PACS 340), as well as a diagnostic imagefrom a previous diagnostic imaging procedure. The image from theprevious procedure is retrieved from, for example, the PACS 55 connectedto the first local network 25. The two images can then be displayedside-by-side to illustrate, for example, changes in the patient'scondition.

As previously described, the diagnostic imaging kiosk 65 is controlledthrough a network from the remote technician's workstation. Whenconnected to the diagnostic imaging kiosk 65, the remote technician ispresented with a plurality of screens which are used to control thekiosk 65. For example, FIG. 15 illustrates a screen 1000 for controllingthe kiosk 65. The screen includes a status bar 1005, a first cameradisplay area 1010, a second camera display area 1015, a diagnosticprocedure instructions area 1020, and a session control section 1025.The status bar 1005 includes a variety of buttons which provide theremote technician with the current status of the workstation, as well asthe ability to modify the status of the workstation. For example, thestatus bar 1005 includes a call status portion 1030, a hold portion1035, an avatar portion 1040, an availability portion 1045, an audioportion 1050, a script portion 1055, a door portion 1060, a settingsportion 1065, and an online portion 1070. The call status portion 1030provides an indication to the remote technician that there is currentlyan active call with the kiosk 65 or that there is not an active callwith the kiosk 65. In some embodiments, the call status portion 1030 isconfigured as a button that allows the remote technician to answer acall from a kiosk 65, end a call from a kiosk 65, or switch from a callwith one kiosk to a call with another kiosk. The hold portion 1035includes, for example, a button that allows the remote technician toplace a current call on hold.

The avatar portion 1040 allows the remote technician to select, amongother things, an avatar to be displayed (e.g., male or female) on theinternal or external user interfaces of the kiosk 65 and whether theavatar is to be displayed. The avatar portion 1040 also provides anindication to the remote technician of which avatar is being displayed.The availability portion 1045 allows the remote technician to selectwhether their workstation is available to connect to a kiosk, andprovides an indication of such to the remote technician. For example,when the remote technician's workspace is available, the workstation isplaced in a queue of workstations to await a call from a kiosk. Theaudio portion 1050 allows the remote technician to control various audiosettings of the workstation (e.g., volume, etc.). The script portion1055 allows the remote technician to select any of a variety of preparedscripts related to diagnostic imaging procedures. For example, thescripts can be specific to a type of diagnostic image (e.g., X-ray), aparticular language, or the like. The door portion 1060 allows theremote technician to control whether the door lock on a kiosk's door isin a locked state or an unlocked state, as well as provide an indicationof the current state of the kiosk's door. The settings portion 1065allows the remote technician to select one or more settings related tothe operation of the workstation or the control of the kiosk. Forexample, the settings include a language setting, a default camerasetting, a default avatar setting, etc. The online portion 1070 providesan indication to the remote technician related to whether thetechnician's workstation is currently online or offline. The onlineportion 1070 also allows the remote technician to select whether theworkstation is online or offline. In other embodiments, the screen 1000includes additional or different portions in the status bar 1005.

The first camera display area 1010 includes a first camera view 1075.The first camera view 1075 provides a display to the remote technicianof a first kiosk video feed. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstcamera view is associated with a fixed camera (i.e., a camera thatcannot be rotated or otherwise moved by the remote technician. Thesecond camera display area 1015 includes a second camera view 1080 and aset of camera controls. The second camera view 1080 provides a displayto the remote technician of a second kiosk video feed. The set of cameracontrols are used to control the display of the second kiosk video feed.For example, the camera controls include a camera panning section 1085that allows the remote technician to adjust the direction the secondcamera is pointed (e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.). The cameracontrols also include zoom controls 1090 (e.g., zoom in and zoom out),preset camera views 1095 (e.g., preset to show different portions of thekiosk), and brightness controls 1100 (e.g., brightness up, brightnessdown, brightness reset, etc.).

The diagnostic procedure instructions area 1020 displays the set ofinstructions associated with a particular diagnostic imaging procedure.For example, depending on the script selected in the script portion 1055of the status bar 1005, a corresponding set of instructions aredisplayed in the diagnostic procedure instructions area 1020. The remotetechnician is able to manually select each step of the procedure (e.g.,by double-clicking) to display corresponding images, video, andanimations to the patient, as well as provide corresponding voiceinstructions to the patient. The remote technician can verify that thepatient has completed an instruction by monitoring the first and secondcamera views 1075 and 1080. The session control section 1025 extends thefunctionality of the status bar 1005. For example, the session controlsection 1025 provides the remote technician with an indication of thepatient's name and identification, as well as the ability to execute thediagnostic image capture (e.g., using an execute button 1105) and burn aCD that includes that diagnostic image (e.g., using a burn CD button1110). In some embodiments, the screen 1000 is configured to allow theremote technician to annotate a diagnostic image. For example, theremote technician is able to add text, arrows, shapes, voice dictation,etc. to highlight areas of interest in the diagnostic image. In someembodiments, the annotations are then displayed to the patient on theinternal user interface 315A. The remote technician is also able to, forexample, control a cursor on the internal user interface 315A orannotate a diagnostic image while the diagnostic image is beingdisplayed on the internal user interface 315A.

In addition to the screen 1000 described above, the remote technician'sworkstation also includes a screen 1200 as illustrated in FIG. 16. Thescreen 1200 is configured to control various settings of the diagnosticimaging unit, as well as provide information to the remote technicianrelated to the current patient in the kiosk, scheduled patients, patientinformation, insurance information, and the like (e.g., by generatingand transmitting corresponding control signals). For example, the screen1200 includes an information management section 1205 and a diagnosticimaging unit control section 1210. The information management section1205 is connected to, for example, one or more information managementsystems, one or more personal health record systems, and one or moreadditional databases. In the illustrated embodiment of the informationmanagement section 1205, a single tab portion is illustrated thatcorresponds to a scheduling tab 1215. Additional tabs can also beincluded in the information management section to streamline workflowand data management. The scheduling tab 1215 includes a new appointmentbutton 1220, an open patient button 1225, an appointment book button1230, a time blocking button 1235, a referring physician button 1240, aninsurance button 1245, and a confirmation letters button 1250. In theillustrated embodiment, the appointment book is shown which includes anorders-to-schedule table 1255 and an appointments confirmation table1260. The appointment book is configured to provide the remotetechnician with information related to each patient that has scheduled adiagnostic imaging procedure or is currently undergoing a diagnosticimaging procedure.

The new appointment button 1220 is configured to allow the remotetechnician to schedule a new appointment for a patient. The open patientbutton 1225 is configured to allow the remote technician to access aspecific patient's records or information. The appointment book button1230 is configured to allow the remote technician to review scheduleddiagnostic procedures for one or more kiosks, the patient's information,and the like. The time blocking button 1235 is configured to allow theremote technician to block off portions of time when appointments can orcannot be scheduled, when the remote technician is or is not available,when the kiosk is or is not available, and the like. The referringphysician button 1240 is configured to allow the remote technician toaccess a patient's physicians' information, contact the referringphysician, refer the patient to a physician, or the like. The insurancebutton 1245 is configured to allow the remote technician to access apatient's insurance information to, for example, confirm that thepatient has insurance or that the patient's insurance covers aparticular procedure. The confirmation letters button 1250 is configuredto allow the remote technician to access a library of pre-formattedletters. The letters can include, for example, the results of adiagnostic test, a patient referral, etc. In some embodiments,additional buttons are included to streamline the workflow of the remotetechnician.

The diagnostic imaging unit control section 1210 includes, among otherthings, a status bar 1265, a preset procedure section 1270, and a manualcontrol section 1275. The status bar 1265 includes, for example, apatient's name, one or more error codes associated with the diagnosticimaging unit and an indication of whether the diagnostic image can betaken (e.g., based on current settings of the diagnostic imaging unit).The preset procedure section 1270 includes image portions 1280-1305 thatcorrespond to various types of diagnostic images that can be taken. Forexample, the image portions 1280-1305 correspond to X-ray procedures forvarious portions of the human body (e.g., chest, skull, spine, completeskeletal, abdominal, etc.). By selecting one of the image portions1280-1305, the settings for the diagnostic imaging unit (describedbelow) are automatically adjusted to preset values.

The remote technician is also able to manually control the settings forthe diagnostic imaging unit. For example, with respect to an X-raydevice, the manual control section 1275 includes manual up/down controlsfor the X-ray tube voltage 1310, the X-ray tube current 1315, the X-rayexposure time 1320, the milliampere-seconds 1325, and density 1330. Themanual control section 1275 also includes an indication of thesource-detector distance (“SID”) 1335 and the source-object distance(“SOD”) 1340. The remote technician is able to adjust the height of thediagnostic imaging unit using a height adjustment section 1345. Theheight adjustment section also includes a display of the target heightand a body height. After the remote technician has properly adjusted theheight of the diagnostic imaging unit, the remote technician is able toadjust the width and height of a collimator of the diagnostic imagingunit. For example, a collimator adjustment portion 1350 is used toadjust a height and width of a visible area of light that corresponds toan area to be imaged. In the illustrated embodiment, the manual controlsection 1275 also includes a plurality of additional buttons 1355 forselecting or controlling additional features of the diagnostic imagingkiosk.

Thus, the invention provides, among other things, systems and method forperforming remote diagnostic imaging. Various features and advantages ofthe invention are set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand-alone imaging station comprising: ahousing including a first housing module and a second housing module,the first housing module and the second housing module being separateand configured to be assembled together; a diagnostic imaging devicecontained within the housing, the diagnostic imaging device including aradiation source and a radiation detector; and a door coupled to thehousing and configured to allow a patient to enter the housing, the doorincluding a lock configured to maintain the door in a locked state atleast while the diagnostic imaging device captures the diagnostic image.2. The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1, wherein the first housingmodule includes a wall having a lead lining.
 3. The stand-alone imagingstation of claim 1, wherein the lock is a remotely-controlled lock. 4.The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1, further comprising acontroller included in the stand-alone imaging station including aprocessing unit, the processing unit configured to receive a controlsignal from a remote device through a network to operate the diagnosticimaging device.
 5. The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1, furthercomprising a device coupled to the housing, the device configured toreceive payment information and including one selected from a groupconsisting of a magnetic stripe reader, a bill pay unit, a useridentification card dispenser, and a scanner.
 6. The stand-alone imagingstation of claim 5, wherein the device configured to receive the paymentinformation is located on an external surface of the housing.
 7. Thestand-alone imaging station of claim 1, wherein the housing has a lengthbetween eight and fourteen feet and a width between two and eight feet.8. The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1, wherein the first housingmodule and the second housing module each include a top portion and abottom portion, the top portion and the bottom portion being separatefrom each other and configured to be assembled together.
 9. Thestand-alone imaging station of claim 1, wherein the radiation source issupported by a first mounting portion and wherein the radiation detectoris supported by a second mounting portion positioned opposite the firstmounting portion, the first mounting portion and the second mountingportion being coupled to the housing.
 10. The stand-alone imagingstation of claim 9, further comprising a first positioning devicecoupled to the first mounting portion, the first positioning deviceconfigured to move the radiation source along a length of the firstmounting portion.
 11. The stand-alone imaging station of claim 10,further comprising a first motor coupled to the first positioning deviceto move the radiation source.
 12. The stand-alone imaging station ofclaim 11, further comprising a second positioning device coupled to thesecond mounting portion, and a second motor coupled to the secondpositioning device to move the radiation detector along a second lengthof the second mounting portion.
 13. The stand-alone imaging station ofclaim 12, wherein the first motor and the second motor are configured tosynchronously adjust a position of the radiation source and theradiation detector in response to a single positioning command.
 14. Thestand-alone imaging station of claim 1, further comprising a collimatorconfigured to adjust a first field-of-view of the radiation source. 15.The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1, further comprising asurveillance device coupled to the radiation source, and positionedabove the radiation source.
 16. The stand-alone imaging station of claim15, wherein the surveillance device is a camera, and wherein theradiation source has a first field-of-view that is smaller than a secondfield-of-view of the surveillance device.
 17. The stand-alone imagingstation of claim 1, further comprising a device configured to determinea distance between the patient and the radiation source when the patienthas entered the housing.
 18. The stand-alone imaging station of claim 1,further comprising a scale to determine a weight of the patient.